Anarchy in the UK: A History of Punk from 1976-78
Explore the history of punk and the role played by youth subcultures in contemporary history, and make your own DIY fanzine, on this cultural history course from the University of Reading.
Duration
2 weeks
Weekly study
3 hours
100% online
How it works
Unlimited subscription
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Discover what 70s punk subculture can tell us about contemporary history
In the late 1970s a new youth subculture emerged in the UK. This, of course, was punk, and a cultural revolt was underway.
On this course, you will learn about the emergence of punk and its diverse range of meanings. You’ll use that lens to explore how youth cultures provided space for people to reimagine, discover and challenge the society and communities in which they were coming of age.
You’ll explore punk as a tool of expression for young people, and how it related to politics and events. You’ll consider punk’s relationship with gender, class, race, sexuality and protest, drawing comparisons with the youth culture of today.
Experience 70s youth culture by making your own punk fanzine
Through studying punk culture in 70s Britain, you’ll come to understand what we can learn about history through youth culture.
This history course also has an emphasis on the creative side of punk. You’ll explore DIY punk design and writing, epitomised by fanzines. You’ll learn how to create a real-life fanzine of your own, all the way to publishing and distribution. This will help strengthen your communication skills and encourage independent thought and creativity.
Discover research methods
By investigating the history of Punk, the course offers a creative resource for you to explore and develop your critical thinking skills and will prepare you for study in higher education.
Studying History develops expertise that can enable you to gain highly sought-after transferable skills.
What topics will you cover?
- The diverse meanings of ‘punk’, its roots and its effects on British culture.
- The originators and defining events that led to punk’s spread across the UK and beyond.
- The music: how the Sex Pistols opened the way for a wide range of sounds and bands.
- Why fanzines became the perfect medium for punk.
- Punk’s influence on publishing, fashion, art and design.
- Punk’s impact on issues of gender, class, race, sexuality and protest.
- Punk’s legacy and continuing influence on society.
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